Lorne Greene Auction Preview – Sparks, Nevada 6/28/2013

JUNE 28, 2013 (Friday)

Same morning routine.

First trip was to find and photograph the Sparks Fire Department. Mission accomplished.

Then we ventured out to find the auction house that is going to auction off Lorne Greene’s (Bonanza, Battle Star Galactic, etc.) personal items. Apparently his son is wanting to rid himself of most of his dad’s items. Was fun going through the huge warehouse that was full of these lovely mementos. We’re wanting to go back tomorrow morning to see what the items go for (and maybe bid on one or two).

Lorne Greene died in 1987. He was Jewish and born in Canada. Yet is a great American icon.

Edie's favorite of Lorne Green's estate items. — Edie’s favorite of Lorne Green’s estate items.

Edie's second favorite of the show. — Edie’s second favorite of the show.

My favorite, the picture doesn't do it justice, the sculptor really captured the essence of a thirsty dog. — My favorite, the picture doesn’t do it justice, the sculptor really captured the essence of a thirsty dog.

Great chandelier, the black figures would project neat shadows.

A really nice Marlin 336, 30-30, a Remington pump 22 cal, and a hand made knife. Edie liked the camel whip next to the knife, no way I am letting that get in her hands!

After that we just drove around and tried to find where we’re moving to tomorrow. It was hard to find but we’re excited because it’s right in the heart of downtown, real close to the river. Should be fun. I only wish we were getting to see our niece and her family. They were supposed to fly in for a family reunion on her father’s side, but they have some health issues they are dealing with and we won’t get to see them until we’re back on the East Coast in a few months.

Came home and made lunch. Usually on our last day at a place we try to clean out the refrigerator. For that reason I made the boca burgers, used up some of the onion, all the garlic, spinach, parsley, mushroom. Also had hummus and bread slices. Was good. We’re full as tick bugs and just lazing around. Might venture out into the heat and go to the pool. Will let you know.

When at the pool the other day we met a very interesting gentleman that was a 27 year owner at the Thunderbird Resort and was very proud of the facility. We got to talking about buying timeshares resale. He shared that during the hard times a lot of people turned in their unit to the association and it got so bad they had to do something. So they converted about a third of the facility to apartments for seniors. They are very reasonable and have generated positive cash flow which is allowing the resort to completely refurbish the rest of the facility. I was interested because in Las Vegas we stayed at the Cliffs and it was a 5 star facility where they bought a large apartment complex and upgraded it throughout and converted it to timeshare units. There is a lot of re-purposing in the time share industry. We’ve certainly seen the motels converted to timeshares, now apartments going in both directions. Fun.

At economic hard time many units were turned in to the owners association. Those empty time share units were converted to senior apartments and now provide the resort with positive cash flow that is funding renovations throughout the rest of the complex.

Today is get ready to move day so we’ll have to pack it up and get it ready to go. Excited to be in the center of everything.

Hope your Friday was awesome!