Bargain Hunting is a way of life for some

I woke up this morning and joined the millions of other early-bird shoppers on the prowl for a discount. For us, it was a new Christmas tree. Our 6-year old artificial tree was $15 at a church garage sale. So a new tree had to be of a similar value to us. My first stop proved to be unfruitful, as they did not carry the full-range of door-buster deals that a full-sized store would have. I was met with satisfaction when one of our other frequent big-box retailers had a similar tree for a better price. Later in the day I pondered the discount-drive that my wife’s family has. I decided that the Stevens tribe has a deep-seeded genetic drive to secure discounts and bargains of all kinds. Here is my tribute to the Lynnwood Band of Stevens bargainers. The Chief of this tribe who I call “Grey Discount” has leaped into the 21st century and has set a family record in scouring the Internet for vehicles online. His squaw “Walks With Sharp Eye” is somewhat of a multi-mode connoisseur of deal-hunting. “Walks With Sharp Eye” frequents the antique mall, consignment store, and auction. Princess “Card In Hand” is a main-stream value vixen. “Card In Hand” has probably subscribed to every discount email alert system from every major retailer in the lower 48, and one form Alaska. With the updates “Card In Hand” gets on her Blackberry in real-time, she can adjust quickly to a changing economic climate. I was permitted to join this tribe by barter and fair trade by marrying “Bargains With Strength” , a skilled urban and sub-urban deal finder. Garage sales and the best thrift stores are treasure troves of dollar saving goodness. Later, this nomadic group of penny-wise spenders sits around the proverbial village fire to tell tales of their trials, tribulations and success. My hats off to this noble tribe, Happy hunting