There is a Gebrauchtswaren Zentrum (henceforth GWZ) here in Witzenhausen. This is akin to a municipal Salvation Army or Good Will store; tons of things for the home – but no clothing. Clothing may be found at various thrift stores or, for a less expensive option, the DRK – Deutsche Rote Kreuz.
The GWZ accepts donations from just about anyone, as long as the items are resalable. Sometimes they have amazing antiques that, even at the incredibly discounted pricetag here, are still a bit out of the Caustic One’s price range. Sometimes they have decent quality for quite a cheap price — but one must arrive when the things arrive, or shortly thereafter, in most of these cases or the things are snapped up. Currently the Ms Caustic is looking for a Kleidershrank — or two small Kleidershranke. There is a limit to the size of furniture that can be carried without disassembling. On several occasions the delivery mensch have looked at the steps, the curve, the ceiling, and said “ummm” and reasurances such as “yup. It will fit. You’ve done this before and this thing is smaller and lighter”, or “You’re the professionals, you can make it work!”.
Occasionally there is something there that the Caustic One finds so lovely that she stalks it in hopes that it might be there when the money to purchase is available. Today was one of those days — a week ago a really beautiful, ornate fondue kettle was available. She kept going back to it, caressing it, taking it apart and putting it back together but she didn’t have “bar” (cash) and wasn’t up to pulling out the ol’ bank card.
Today, she wandered into the GWZ as part of a feeble attempt to get out and get some fresh air. Alas, the beautiful thing was snatched up by a more savvy (and economically flexible) person. Of course, this meant spending thirty minutes or so perusing the Kleidershrank/e, of which there was one that was exactly the size, shape, and cost range necessary — already sold. It was stained a funny blue, though. Eh.
You win some. You lose some. Guess we’ll wait on the fondue party!