Mixed Lot

It's been a difficult week, partly because we cleared a house for an ex-RAF serviceman who is being forced to sell his home and contents to pay for nursing care (a legacy of Animal Farm Socialism) and partly because of the sheer physical effort required for that and another clearance the following day.  House clearances are not pretty, there are always issues and lots of heavy things to shift.  And I am not getting any younger (I know this because my wife never fails to make a joke of it when we are out with friends) - not that I give two hoots (notice, I toned that down as I was going to say 'not that I give a shit' but received lots of criticism for swearing in my last post.  Not that I give a shit).  The great thing about being a forty-something is that it doesn't matter anymore whilst thirty-somethings still have the dreaded four-o ahead of them (it's a psychological, not an actual, barrier).  Still, no aching limbs this morning, apart from my groin which was abused on a repeated basis by a woman in leather boots at the Sugar Hut last night...
My wife, who was aware of the abuse but did little to protect me, managed to out-drink me last night.  Monsoon certainly slips down very nicely and was a perfect partner for the most amazing Thai food I have had in a while.  We finished off with caterpillar for pudding and our friend Glenn ate it's arse. 
All this is very well but I do have a business to run.  The damage inflicted by the £30,000 raid on our store room was the most terrible blow but not actually as bad as having to repeat myself on the subject to all and sundry.  People, I know, are just being sympathetic and supportive but I am thinking about producing a Question and Answer sheet to avoid any further comment.  The bottom line is that those responsible have not been caught and are unlikely to be caught.  The business continues to trade and 90% of those affected have now been paid.  Barnes Auctioneers is a profitable concern and it can stand the pressure that this whole episode has inflicted upon it.  We have tightened our security arrangements and can now concentrate on getting back to normal.
'Normal' for us doesn't actually resonate.  It's not what we want and it's certainly not what we do.  I've mentioned before that it's all about the adventure.  There is nothing better than charging around the countryside, not knowing what we might find.  We were in Aylsham last week, at Keys Auction (yes, of course we buy and sell at other places) with a van full of furniture.  "Why can't you put it in your own sale?"  asked the auctioneer up there (an understandable question given the circumstances) "Because it is a pile of shit" is what I wanted to say "We only sell smalls" is what I actually said.  He wasn't impressed and packed us off to the local tip.  Actually, we were a bit naughty with that one and for that I apologise to him and to Keys.  They are one of Norfolk's more reputable auction houses and I always enjoy my visits there.  They did take in some stuff from us so I'll cross my fingers and hope for a big fat cheque.
My next adventure will have to be Brighton.  I've been meaning to get down there again for a while now (just need to persuade someone to share petrol with me - Dan/Helen are you reading this?).  It's a Mecca really and one that makes Norwich look like a backwater.  It's the future for us too, because our vision is to bring that experience home. 
Ground Zero and it's our next sale on Thursday (25th November).  We already have some super lots but need more so do get in touch.  It's a fantastic time of the year to be selling (in the run up to Christmas) and we always anticipate good hammer prices for your antiques and valuables.  You know what to do call 01603 304337 or 07810 646711 to discuss your arrangements.  We will be taking in entries throughout Wednesday 24th at The Cloisters Fair (8am-4pm) at St Andrew's Hall in Norwich.