"I bought it once, drunk at an auction"

This is a writing from years ago. I'm figuring 2014ish.

Being at the conclave in Lethbridge this past weekend reminded me of a saying that I hear quite often in my boat.

"I bought it once, drunk at an auction."

Most often, it involves either trout unlimited, ducks unlimited, Pheasants Forever, NWTF etc. etc. There's are several ways this statement can be drawn out from its teller. Sometimes you may see a photo or print in their home and say, "geez, that's a nice _ _ _ _. ". And you will get

"Yeah, I bought it once, drunk at an auction."

Sometimes you may hear a tale of an obscure trip and ask, "what made you go there." Or say to someone, "that's a nice rod/gun/piece of equipment," and you can also hear it.

"Yeah, I bought it once, drunk at an auction."

Listen for it, I love it, and once you notice it, you'll seem to hear it more often.

It's good though to spread the cash around at these charity auctions. They are likely for a great cause and remember you only get one go around, and you can't take it with you.

I may as well tell you what I bought at the Lethbridge auction.

I made a bid on a light raincoat by Patagonia. My friend Kelly approached me and said, "I see you won your bid in the silent auction for the Patagonia rain pants." Perplexed, I replied, " I didn't bid on Patagonia Rain pants. . . . . I bid on a light raincoat."

"I Bought a pair of Patagonia rain pants once, Drunk at an auction."