While buying books for a dollar each at the Golden Goose, Stan thought he'd snap a few shots of the bustling activity at this volunteer-run charity thrift shop, located just outside the front gates of Saddlebrooke. Kathleen was looking at some cups. Focus, flash, shoot.A kindly-looking gray-haired volunteer wearing a Golden Goose red apron and "Donna" nametag approached Stan.
"Does it work? she asked brightly."Yes," Stan replied and shot again. This time his automated top of the line Nikon read the available light and elected not to flash.
"Try it again," Donna encouraged.
Stan took another shot in a different direction and the flash ignited.
"I think if you wait a little while between shots and let the battery rest you have better luck," coached Donna. "That's really a very nice camera."Suddenly the light went on. "M'am," Stan said. "This IS my camera. I already own this one. See? You're trying to sell me my own camera!"
She hooted, covered her face and joined Stan in a good laugh.
There is a great attitude at the Golden Goose. Lots of senior volunteers swarming, advising, demonstrating, closing deals as if it were their own store. It's very heartwarming.
Over in the book section the "librarians" volunteer lots of hours. One had her husband build the custom shelving (top photo) just so to accommodate the maximum number of books in their limited space.
Each book has been looked over, categorized and shrewdly priced for maximum return. Rare books cost more and get the best display.
Non-fiction, reference, romance, science, just like Barnes and Noble. Pulp paperbacks are bundled in fives and offered for $1 on the bottom shelves.Stan and Kathleen carry out cartons of books and are greeted warmly because they are making room for more merchandise in this piggly-wiggly market.
And yes, (bottom photo) there are some very nice cameras for sale here.
