Estate auction next door. Only thing that interests me personally are two shells from WWII: a 40mm with penetrating round still attached (main fuze gone) and a 105mm shell (only). 40 was dated 1944 and the 105 is 1943. Both engraved dates.

A lot of guys checking them out and the pair went to "choice bid" along with two 105 shells from Vietnam. Shot to $20 fast and then just me and another guy after that. He goes 25, me 30, he 35, me 40 (my limit) and he balks at 45. Winning the "choice" (as many of the four as I want at 40), I pick the WWII pair for a total of 80. Bit much but auctions are about deciding what you want and how much you want to pay for them and then trying to keep your emotions in check. I just knew I'd feel good through 40 and then bad after that.

Auctions are a really cool thing in the Midwest. Made me feel like a kid again. Reminded me of going to them with my Dad. Suppose I bought the shells for same reason.

Made me also remember how happy I make my wife and myself to move back here.

Next up? WWII helmet with liner fully in tact save leather covers on straps.