FREE

Yesterday afternoon we walked Romeo in our favorite neighborhood in Blackstone. We walked off Carter Ave to a side street and saw a pile of free stuff. I know the family that lives there. The kids were riding bikes in circles on the street.

The kids gathered on their bicycles to show us the items. 

"You look like Santa," the youngest boy said to Bill.

"Is this new?" I asked pointing to the taped box.

"Brand new, my mom got it for Christmas," the boy said.

I picked it up. A Presto 8 quart Pressure Cooker in the original box.

I  examined the plastic turquoise cake carrier with a top handle. I was wearing gloves. The oldest girl age 9 opened the 4 clasps for me.

"It goes like this," she said handing it back to me.

 "For bringing pie to Teddi's" I said, turning to my husband. "Or walking the dog with a pie!" handing it to him. He turned it upside down. "Will this work?" 

I laughed.

And a "stubbie milk bottle! STANPAC," I said, looking at the bottom. "Gotta have this, it's so cute!"

"Are we hoarders?" My husband said as we walked away with our arms full somehow managing to hold Romeo's leash.

"No, we're opportunists. We can't pass up a good rescue. Been poor to long. But it's not poverty, it's abundance. Imagination. Hope and possibility.

That's probably what they all say." I said, laughing at myself. I loaded the items into the back seat of the car. Romeo sat on my lap for the half mile ride home.