In years past, the Rochester Public Market offered its summertime Community Garage Sales and Super Fleas once a month. They are now held every Sunday, and that might explain why only a portion of the available vendor spaces were in use.

The day was bright and sunny, and upon entering the compound I was struck by the amount of doggy bags. That's dogs in bags, a practice that has become somewhat of an epidemic since "Legally Blonde." After questioning one such pet carrier, I was told the practice saves the pooch's paws from being trampled upon. However, I also wonder if this is a way around the "no dogs allowed" rules, a possibility that both excites and concerns me. Breaking rules can be exciting. Dogs where dogs shouldn't be is a concern. Are itsy-bitsy canines that yip rather than bark not considered dogs anymore? I digress...

Although there were some stalls of fruit and veggies, the majority were full of garage sale finds. At first not being drawn to explore any spot more fully, I soon found myself rummaging through vintage dinner and silver wares, frayed quilts, and taste-testing some of the best sweet potato pie I've ever had.

After years of unrestrained collecting, I have a self-imposed rule regarding purchases. If I don't want to take care of it for the rest of my life, I don't buy it. I appease myself by telling myself I can come look at it anytime and therefore don't need to own it. I found nothing that I wanted to dust or move with me forever. My friend, on the other hand, set herself up for disappointment. She told herself she wasn't going to get anything, but left carrying two paintings, a lamp, and some plates, all from the 1950-60s.

The security guards get to drive around in cute little electric carts. They told me it was similar to a golf cart with a top speed of 26 mph.

I'll be back to visit my non-purchased items -- and to get another piece of that sweet potato pie.

Next up: "Peels & Squeals"