Cup of Tee

© I bought a piano from an elderly lady years ago for my daughter. I asked the lady what should a person do to be set in older years. She said, "Collect stuff." I was puzzled and replied, "Collect stuff?" She then said, "Yes, collect stuff. Everyone has a need for something or will want something later on. So, collect stuff." I never really had anyone tell be about stuff being future returns.

With the thought of collecting, I asked myself, "Why do people collect things?"

People, as a species, have been collecting from our existence. We were nomadic, collecting foods and resources for shelters.

Many people collect to reminisce about the past when they had a particular item, or the items remind them when times (in their opinion) were better. Things change - back to the familiar often gets closer to the heart.

In the light of days before us, people who lived during the Depression had nothing and could get nothing. Collecting, for them, often meant having and not going without. Life stability often directs one's thinking. Saving money is a result of multiple purchases of items to get lower individual prices. On the other hand, panic collecting goes the other way (remember toilet paper?). Collecting could be the link between dreams and reality. Does history repeat itself? Many believe it does, unless you are collecting calendars.

People collect because something may be unique. It also may become unique by not allowing others to obtain it. Things are collected

by Tee Hurd

for bragging status - you have what no one else has, or you paid a very large amount to obtain something. Limited editions keep collectors busy. To complete a particular set sometimes follows suit.

A hunt is a process of collecting which gives one a feeling of accomplishment when something is found. A return of money is another motivation to collect. Proving you have been there/done that is proof of collecting.

Inheritance - a legacy left to you could cause you to collect. To clean another's clutter could cause you to collect something you may not plan.

Collecting can ease a workload. For instance, tools or intelligence such as books. Some have specific hobbies that require collections of specialized tools. The mechanics of the way something works or the individual uniqueness of one particular model sets the bug to collect. This could be pickups, cars, tractors, and games.

Perhaps one is unable to do something themselves, thus collecting solves this situation (art, quilts, painting, etc.). Enjoyment of a personal basis such as vinyl records puts one's mind a ease. To ensure memory of close ones (friends and family) one may collect certain things. Paying forward may be a way to help others by initiating collecting.

Many times one collects things as a basic way to voice opinions. These are done so often on tee shirts and hats. They are walking billboards.

I quote the French philosopher, Jean Baudrillard, "In the end, what one collects is oneself."

This is my “Cup of Tee” collectively speaking.

Livestock Hall of Fame to Honor New Inductees

The Southern Idaho Livestock Hall of Fame will honor its newest inductees April 11th at the Stone House in Old Town, Twin Falls, during the organization's 62nd annual banquet.

The Stone House is located at 330 4th Ave.S.. Twin Falls. (New Location). The banquet will open with social time at 6:30 p.m. followed by dinner at 7 p.m.

Tickets for the prime rib dinner are $30 and can be reserved by calling Eric Bennett at (208) 320-5769. This year's inductees include:

1. Former Idaho State Veterinarian Bill Barton, DVM

2. John and Barb Brubaker, Buhl, ID.

3. LaRay and Janet Easterday, Buhl, ID

4. Steve and Abby Whitesides, Rupert

5. Gerald and Celia Marchant, Oakley

This Week’s Sudoku Puzzle Answers

Puzzle #1 - Easy Puzzle #2 - Hard