This one was special in so many ways:
In the age of e-bay, watching a skilled auctioneer work his craft was a treat in and of itself.
So many of the people at the auction knew Bob and Florence, and we knew much of the good stuff was going to people who would truly appreciate it.
And what I am pretty sure was the last mass gathering of Bob and Florence's children and grandchildren in Des Moines. I'm sure they will still gather, but I doubt that they will feel drawn to that city as a group ever again.
But before I get too maudlin, let me hit on what to me is the Spirit Of Bob and Florence: the basement of that house. Wow. How can I even describe it? Old beer ads, player piano, several old jukeboxes, shelf after shelf (antiques themselves) filled with holiday dishes, glassware, animated holiday gizmos, cute little "Don't squat with your spurs on" signs, and a John Wayne clock that swayed it's hips as a pendulum. Had to be seen to be believed- Sherri tells me there was once a pool table, but I don't believe it- there wasn't room for a pool cue in that place it was so packed. I still remember the first time Sherri took me down to see them- she was so proud to show her "serious boyfriend" off to her closest Aunt and Uncle, and vice versa. She tried to prep me, but when I went into that basement for the first time, I was speechless! And totally hooked. I wanted to live there. In that basement.
So when the auction came up, and with my recent foray into the world of home brewing and a rec room in our house with no personality but lots of potential- the mission was clear: We needed to bring the Spirit Of Bob and Florence to our house. And thanks to a cooperative wife and a pretty aggressive budget: I think we have. It's a pale imitation of what I saw all those years in the Fox basement, but I think the essence is there: have fun, enjoy family and friends, and don't be afraid to get just plain silly.
Tell me what you think:
