Greetings, My Dad died a month ago and I’ve been going through his stuff and discovered this nugget. It’s a picture of a nearly one year old me ogling a Schwinn Tiger. I’m so impressed with that beauty that the lack clothes can’t hold me back. I’m still the same but typically am wearing something and thankfully the stomach is a little less chubby. I knew there was a reason I liked old Schwinns.

An aside about aging and collecting. My dad was a collector. He was into many things... mainly related to hunting....guns, knives, artwork. Additionally he was a tractor salesman so he was also into toy tractors....hundreds of them. I know these things brought him much joy so I’m not complaining too much, however, the enormity of going through and figuring out what to do with his stuff is incredible.

My advice to collectors. 1. Document. What is is? What did you pay for it? What’s a ballpark selling price.? 2. Don’t collect junk. It will be given away or tossed. 3. Don’t collect as an investment. He used to say his guns were his investment for the boys. Well the boys don’t want them! If he’d of put that money onto mutual funds I’d likely be a millionaire today. Instead I’m off to Montana today for spring break to get things ready for upcoming auctions. Yes, I am bringing a bike....and I’ll be thinking about what to do with my stuff. I don’t think my daughter is too enamored with my large vintage lightweights.

Rob Markwardt
Seattle WA.