sometimes it doesn't pay

Earlier this week I hit the local thrift shop for a bit of fashion rejuvenation. While they don't have a good selection of children's clothes, they do have cheap and good quality women's wear. I found some sweaters and a pretty red knit dress from Talbots, as well as 2 skirts, 10 pieces in all for about $40. While waiting in line I picked up a few magazines for the children and a LEGO Technic Klutz book to build simple machines. Since the bag seemed full of various bits I figured Will would find in interesting and purchased it for $2. However, when I got home and presented it to him, he found that almost 1/2 of the parts were missing. His distress at not being able to make a single machine led us to search LEGO's website and attempt to email to a local mom who's son is immersed in building Technic creations. Finally, Will found a Klutz website address and we found the exact bag of replacement parts we needed for $10. So my bargain turned out to cost $13, still less than the new price, but not quite the steal I had originally thought.