We are in Baltimore for the weekend. Today is my mother-in-law’s 96th birthday.
I know, wow!
So we are staying at my sister-in-law’s house and I got up early to take a 5-mile walk. The car rides to get here and back are long so I have to make up for all the sedentary time we’ll have on the way home later tonight. On my walk, I saw this sign.
Do you ever have signs that call to you? Like you MUST go to this estate sale???
Same with fruit and vegetables calling to you at the market – buy me, no me, buy me!!
No?
Well I do.
So this sign called to me. I announced to my husband at breakfast that I just had to go.
Like we need another plate or glass. I know, but sometimes… that calling is strong.
Reluctantly, my husband takes me there – this is his town after all and low and behold – LOOK what I found!!
Eight, count ‘em, eight beautiful sweet Limoges china bowls for… are you ready??
I asked the girl how much. Clearly they were taking apart some relative’s house who had recently passed. I didn’t want to ask because then I’d get all weepy.
I had the stack of bowls in my hands – all eight of them. She carefully counted them and looked up and asked, “Uh, would $15.00 be ok?”
Gulp.
Yeaahhh!
To be cool, for a tiny bit, I continued looking through the rest of the house while she put them in a holding place.
Then I quickly I ran to the car to get the cash, gave her my $20.00 bill and while they had to search for the $5.00 change, I prayed no one would come and question the sale or turn a bowl over.
The transaction was made and I sauntered on back to the car, arms laden with my stack of bowls.
Success at the estate sale!!
There were actually two other German plates I thought were interesting. Should I go back and get them too or quit while I was ahead?
We decided on the latter and headed back to Ellen’s house. I couldn’t wait to tell her of my find. Ellen was flabbergasted – she loved them – she called her cousin Donna immediately and sent her a picture.
And then Ellen wanted to go back for the German plates. I was ambivalent. What if an aunt showed up there and knew what Limoges were? Or one of their distant cousins who knew something about china? Clearly the folks that were there did not know some things.
Ellen was persistent that I go back with her.
I changed my shirt and shoes to prevent recognition.
We drove there – it was 1:30 pm and the sign did say only until 1 and sure enough, they were all closed up.
I came home to just my bowls but they were quite enough.
I love the size – rather smallish and just perfect. Won’t they look great with gazpacho or even a scoop of chocolate mousse with a smattering of raspberries on the side? Maybe they are berry bowls and not soup bowls. I have to do some research.
My mother-in-law would love this story. She loved, loved, loved fine china and beautiful things. Over the years, she has given us lots of gorgeous china pieces. I will tell this story to her tonight but I’m not sure she will comprehend and she surely won’t be able to see them either.
My daddy always said, “It’s tough to get old, Mare!”
Great Valentine’s Day and Super Bowl recipes
Amazing tomato chicken braise
Warm Farro Salad with RayZyn’s
Grilled Farmer’s Market chicken with lemon ginger basting sauce
How to deal?
Those bowls are stunning! A great food photography prop! Plus, 15 dollars isn’t too bad for that many plates, right?!?! ;D Thanks for sharing, Mary! 😀
Kennedy Cole|Kcole’s Creative Corner recently posted…Strawberry and Arugula Salad with Blue Cheese and Pesto Stuffed Tomatoes
Exactly Kennedy!!! 🙂 🙂 🙂
Wow what a find. The bowls look well preserved.
My mother is 97, so I can relate to your comments.
Enjoy your fabulous find.
Jovina Coughlin recently posted…Veggie Night Dinners
The bowls are in perfect condition – even the gold trim!! Thanks Jovina!
That’s a great deal, Mary! Happy Birthday to your mother-in-law!!
Angie@Angie’s Recipes recently posted…Chanterelle Omelette and Sauteed Chanterelles with Fresh Herbs
Thanks Angie!!
That is a great find Mary Frances. I love going to estate sales, antique shops etc.. You got a great deal on those lovely bowls.
Suzanne recently posted…An Epic Biscuit…The Sequel, And Garden Update
I know!! Thanks Suzanne!
Hahaha, you changed to prevent recognition !!! this is hilarious.. Don’t be afraid my dear what is sold is sold… business is business. What a catch!!! Happy birthday to your mother in law.
Thanks Amira!! :))
Nice score on the dishes! They are so pretty and I can’t wait to see them on your blog with a new recipe in them! 🙂
Kristi @ Inspiration Kitchen recently posted…Apple Cake
Thanks Kristi!!
OH, boy what a treasure you found!!! And happy birthday to your mother-in-law!
Liz recently posted…Sunflower Whole Wheat Bread #TwelveLoaves
I know!! Thanks Liz!
96 is impressive! My dad is still going strong at 94. We’re both lucky. And speaking of luck, what a find! You really scored — those are lovely.
John/Kitchen Riffs recently posted…Chocolate Chip Bars
Thanks John!!! Glad to hear your Dad is doing so well! You’ve got some good genes!
Ohhh my wife would love those porcelains
Raymund recently posted…Kimlo
🙂 I know, right!?
Hi Mary, what a find, I love estate and garage sales, looks like you did good.
cheri recently posted…Cornmeal Crepes with Figs and Pears
Yep!! Thanks Cheri!
HI Mary– I’d join you any day for an estate sale!! We saw one up in Berkeley while visiting our kids– My husband didn’t understand why we’d stop there– but I wanted to walk through the beautiful old mansion and found the sweetest green book case that just fit along the wall of my kitchen to hold cookbooks! fun stop. and I agree, you can’t have too many dishes (especially at that price!)
That sounds like a great find Rhonda!!
While this was called an estate sale, this was no mansion by any means, which made the bowls all the more a surprising find!!
Yay! I bought a whole set of Nortake china once at an estate sale. It is such a fun memory every time that I use it. I love the theme of your blog! Spreading love through cooking is wonderful.