Hunting for Treasures in a Sea of Junk

Over the years we’ve developed what some might see as a strange Mother’s Day Tradition. While others post pictures of a Mother’s Day Tea or lovely picnic, we go treasure hunting.

On the second Sunday of each month, rain or shine, the Capital City of Sacramento hosts a massive Antique Fair and Flea Market. Once upon a time it was held under the freeway near down town. That location had its perks and disadvantages. The freeway overhead provided shade in the summer, and leaky protection in the winter. It was also home to a large homeless community that was pushed out for the event and some among them were aggressively resentful. (Not that I blame them).

A few years back the state did an inspection of the freeway and discovered that rather shoddy repairs had been done the year before, which meant a massive overhaul to keep the freeway up and running without pan-caking down on the streets and parking lots below. So the Antique Fair needed to find a new home. They did so in an abandon parking lot that was once home to Arco Arena and the Sacramento Kings. While much larger than the freeway underpass, the sun beats down in the summer, and it’s been known to get rained out in the winter.

Since the second Sunday in May is also Mother’s Day, my guys and I drive up to the city and spend the day together hunting for treasures.

Last year Kiddo bought me a Stain John Paul II Rosary, which I had blessed the very next Sunday.

This year Hubby bought me something to add to one of my ever growing collections. Of all the things I collect (and believe me when I say there are multiple collections), Santas and Tea or Coffee Cups are right up there.

The Santa Collection has grown to 153 Santas thus far. I have everything from mugs to butter knifes and napkin rings, candle stick holders and images of jolly Old Saint Nick through the ages.

As for the Tea Cups – there are 88 individual cups in my collection, 7 sets of matching cups, bringing the cup count to 121 cups. Five of those sets include a matching pot.

As you can imagine, I truly cherish this latest find. Not only because it was a Mother’s Day Gift from Hubby, but because it fits right in with my obsession.

At first glance it just looks like any other colorful ceramic Santa.

Even upon a closer inspection, you might not notice just how unique this Santa is.

But look again – here is his handle

And here is the spout.

This Santa will loose his head over a pot of tea!

Thank you, Hubby!