One Man's Trash . . .Is Another Woman's Treasure

I still remember the first tin wastebasket I ever purchased. It was in 1982, right before I met my husband Henri. It's the only one that is not in the below picture. (I'll save that one for last.)

Below is the first tin wastebasket I bought right after we moved to Maine in 2003. I found it at a local antique store and I even remember what I paid for it. ( $$)

Then, a couple years later I found a similar one in a neighbor's trash (free) during our town's once a year "bulky trash" pickup where everyone puts out what they no longer want, only to drive around and see if they can pick up something good from someone else's trash. So when I found it, you can bet I grabbed it up fast, because like I said, I still remember what I paid for the first one ($$) at the antique shop. Let's just say, it was far more than what I would ever pay today.

Love this little close up detail.

I remember what I paid for this one too. They practically gave it away. And it was green so I bought two of them.

This one I purchased new after Henri and I bought our first house together.

And I've saved the one I've had the longest for last. This is the one I bought right before I met Henri.

Besides my parrot, Simon, this tin wastebasket is the only thing I still own from when I was single. Who knew a trash can would be a second choice on my list to keep! Good heavens, now that I think about it, that is actually a strange dowery to bring to a marriage. I'm so glad he married me anyway!