~YOU'VE HEARD OF BUYER'S REGRETS? ~

Well, I'm almost there..but..not quite.  However, the seller is another story!

I have had this pretty set of dishes in mind for a very long time.  I love roses and I also love a deal.

This was a set that I really could not justify getting.
Some people have things, other people have children.  I had children.  Seven to be exact!

Then a few days ago I came upon it on ebay and it seemed to obviously be someones collection.
It was a "best offer" sort of thing, which I hate because if you don't know the value of something..it makes it difficult.
So I began looking at other dishes in this pattern.  Some were very expensive and others were..not too bad.
In other words..my searching and comparing didn't help me one bit.
I decided to throw my hat into the ring.
I put in my (I suppose) rather low bid and held my breath
Nothing.
The next day came and went..and still no response at all.
I began to think ..."Either they are not at home OR they are insulted and refuse to answer!"
Another day went by.
I kept peeking but no response.
Then I noticed there were LOTS of "watcher's"
Why so many and what were they watching?  Maybe to see if I got told off by the seller.
WHAT?

There are 134 pieces of china in the set.

Two tea pots.

One coffee pot

Three covered sugar bowls
Three creamers
:)  "Oh, do go on!"  you say??  Okay. :)
11 dinner plates, 11 luncheon plates, 12 salad plates, 18  bread and butter plates, 12 cereal bowls 8n soup bowls, 8 berry bowls, 8 regular tea cups and 8 saucers, 8 extra saucers, 4 large coffee cups and 4 saucers,  and six extra saucers, 2 serving platters, 1 oval serving bowl, 1 round serving bowl, 1 covered serving bowl, one gravy boat with 1 underplate and 3 votive candle.  One mug.  ??
Another day passed.
Panic swept me and suddenly I found myself just hitting the button that said "BUY IT NOW!"  and it was over!
I owned them.

I was so darned excited!

Very shortly thereafter a note arrived from the seller.
It went something like this:

Dear Seller,
Hi!
Thank you for your purchase and prompt payment.  They are a lovely set and I know you will enjoy them.  I am traveling over the weekend but will get them packed and shipped to you by next Tuesday or Wednesday at the latest  and will send you the packing number.  Thank you again, and I can't WAIT for you to see them!
Sara
***********
I was so pleased that I wrote a short note back thanking her for her note.  Said I was sure I would enjoy them.
Not a chip!  Not a crack!  Not a scratch!
Hooray!
She wrote in her ad on ebay "This set is extensive!"
and it is.

One hundred and 38 pieces.
I was really excited, and then another letter arrived.  This one was longer.

Dear Wsprsweetly*of*roses,  (this is my ebay name)
Hi!
Thank you for the note.  I'll make sure they're well packed so they make the trip safe an sound.  We're moving and have company over the weekend but I'll get them out early next week.  They are one of the prettiest patterns Johnson Bros. made, in my opinion.  If you like to use complementary pieces , they mix beautifully with the Chippendale in red.  It's a big set and if I were you I would put some aside for "company" and get a small set you can use whenever you want and not feel guilty.  If you're a tea drinker, it's soooooo relaxing  to make a pot of tea, sip it from one of these graceful cups and nibble on a snack from one of the plates!
I love this set and hate to see it go but I'm so happy you like them!  They look like a Victorian Garden when the table is set with these and a few bouquets of fresh flowrs.  Just lovely!!
Use the dishes  Theyre too beautiful to save for only special occasions!
Sara
******************
Awww...bless her heart.  She really hates to part with them.  I feel a little bad..but I write to her assuring her they will be well cared for.  I promise her this.
Another day passes..
Another letter arrives from Sara.  About the dishes.

****************
Dear Mona,
Hi again!

I also wanted to tell you that while you can put these in the dishwasher, I wouldn't advise it....every day!
It will speed up the crazing process.  They are JUST not used to the heat.
Also, not a great idea to put them in the microwave.  Again, they'll be okay but it will take a real toll on them.

To keep them looking their best, avoid using sharp knives on them that will leave utensil marks.  If you do get scratches on them, you can rub them out with a stone polish.
Remember, they are basically ironstone so they're pretty strong and tough.
I think I mentioned it in the listing but many of these pieces came from Canada and are from the early firings of this pattern.  They are true antiques and not the modern day refires.

If you're interested in learning more about these types of dishes and the history behind them there are lots of great books.
Anyway, thank you again for your purchase.  I really hope you get much enjoyment from them.  I will miss them.
Sara
*******************
I really feel bad that she had to part with these dishes!  So I write to her again and at a loss as to how to make her feel better..I write:
Dear Sara..
I feel so bad that you have had to give up your dishes.  I want to assure you that I will never put them in a dishwasher because I don't own one.  I promise I will take very good care of them and I won't let people use knives on them.  Also, if you are ever in Southern Calfornia...please do come by and visit them.  My invitation is very sincere.
I hope this helps to keep you from worrying.
Mona :)

Have you ever bought something and just felt so sorry for the person you bought it from?
Poor baby!
Do I still want them?  Heck yes!!

Love,
Mona

~I am joining Marty @ A Stroll Thru Life  for her Inspire Me Tuesday  party.
Come by and see all the pretties! ~