So, the pool party was a success. The girls had fun with their friends,
and the homemade cupcake tower was a hit.
Unfortunately, I was monumentally exhausted after the party, and I wasn’t up to dealing with my disastrous house, so I left the mess and collapsed into bed. I felt better for it, but the downside is that I had to spend most of yesterday loading and unloading the dishwasher, putting away party supplies, and finding a place for all the new stuff to go – and today will be more of the same. Last night, we took the girls to Chuck E. Cheese (which gives me a headache on the best of days), for Cakie’s birthday supper, and when we got home I was worn out. I’m happy to resume our normal routine today.
During my cleaning frenzy yesterday, I did make an interesting discovery. About 5 years ago, I went to a library book sale in a very small town, and discovered a box of interesting old books. I purchased several for 25 cents each, because I’m a book lover since childhood, and I like to decoratively display antique books. I think they look really cool, and they make interesting conversation pieces when we have company (my favorite is an illustrated “library of health” book from the 1920s. It is simply hilarious).
Anyway, I was dusting my bookshelves, and as I often do, I entertained myself by flipping through the more interesting books. This leatherbound children’s book, called “That Teddy Horse,” is one that I had never really looked at before. I purchased it mainly because it was unique.
I’d examined the endpapers for a copyright date (1931), but that was about it. I don’t know why I decided to look further, but I’m glad I did, because on the dedication page, I discovered this inscription:
You may not be able to read it very well because the ink is somewhat faded, but it says,
“To the Hon. Herbert C. Hoover and Mrs. Hoover
Best wishes from
Gertrude E. Bernard
Feb. 1935″
Now, I don’t know the story behind this book – perhaps Gertrude Bernard was a friend of the Hoovers – and I don’t know if it’s worth anything, but for a book lover, it’s just pretty awesome to discover that quite by accident, you purchased a book that once belonged to a U.S. president, and was dedicated to him by the author.
A pretty amazing return on a 25-cent investment.
Copyright 2010, Want What You Have
