This morning, I was taking a walk downtown to drop some packages off at Ellsworth Stationers to be mailed. I hate going to the post office. It’s an irrational kind of hate. I rank it up there with emptying the dishwasher.

Well, this morning I had a few important packages to ship, so it had to be done!

On my way down I saw Gayle from Strings Music fiddling with an old wooden ladder in his window. I had to stop to see what he was doing only to discover that he is liquidating everything in his shop so he can retire.  I was a bit sad to find out that Gayle is retiring. He has been one of my biggest supporters here in the village and lent a lot of time and effort to help sway the decision for me to have a store in the Village.

Anyway, while Strings specialty has been high end guitars and other instruments, Gayle has managed to keep an eclectic array of inventory in his shop. It is a like a treasure trove of randomness if you look beyond the obvious. For instance, I found an antique baby buggy in there today, a vintage accordian in an awesome leather suitcase and this…

Yep. It’s a wooden step ladder with wheels (Pardon the drool)! 
Gayle told me that it is original to his store from way back in the 1940’s. It was used in an old shoe store in town.


Gayle told me he was selling everything and I had to have this!


I’m sure I looked silly rolling this step ladder down the street.

So, want to know my plans?

I love it so much I’m going to take it home and use it for my girls room. Some old fence board will be screwed on the steps to create shelves and their shoes can be lined up along each shelf! So CUTE!

One problem with my plan…I brought it in the shop to take photos, then left it against the wall and two hours later it sold. I’m devastated!

Such is the business.

On a more positive note, for the past two years, Gayle has had this beautiful mahagony sideboard that he uses for his window display. Every time I see him I ask, “are you ready to sell your dresser yet?” Well, today he gave me dibs and when the shop is closed down, I get to adopt his dresser!!! I also bought an awesome oak wood farm table from him today. I just need to pick that one up.

If you have a chance, stop by Strings. Even if you aren’t in the market for some musical instruments, you just might find a treasure amidst his inventory. Plus, he has some beautiful antique furniture that he is selling!

I, for one will miss Gayle and my girls will miss his teeny tiny dog Chelsea who can be seen wandering the Avenue at any given time of day!

Here’s to retirement!