The next photo is the PROMPT. Remember, all photos are property of the photographer, donated for use in Friday Fictioneers only. They shouldn’t be used for any other purpose without express permission. It is proper etiquette to give the contributor credit.
PHOTO PROMPT © Dale Rogerson
Genre: Fiction
Word Count: 100
PACKRATS AND OTHER HOARDERS
Dennis looked over Charlotte’s shoulder at her bulky pickup list. “Wrecked bicycle. Check. Commodore computer. Wait! Not my bench!”
“Anyone who sits on it risks getting a butt full of splinters.”
“I’ll take my chances.” He sank down. “This is where I used to sing Abby to sleep, help her with her homework, and wait for her to come home from her dates. My claw marks are still on the armrests.”
A small boy crawled onto Dennis’s lap. “I want to sit on Grandpa’s special bench, too.”
Charlotte crossed out bench. “You win.”
Dennis frowned. “Now, about that Commodore computer.”
Rochelle Wisoff-Fields-Addicted to Purple 
I’m curious to know more about the computer 🤪
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Dear Reena,
Not much to know about the computer. It’s practicaly an antique. 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
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🤨
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Never come between a man and his junk
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Dear Neil,
It’s best to do away with it in secret. 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Oh yes, the Commodore. Happy days, hey? But I’d still rather keep the bench than the keyboard. Good one.
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Dear Sandra,
I don’t know if the Commodore would even be usable. Sheesh. We got ours forty years ago! At least the bench can be sanded and varnished. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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It’s not just any old bench, it’s a special one! A lovely story, Rochelle.
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Dear Rochelle,
Some things just should never make it to the junk pile! Lovely story.
Shalom and lotsa memorable love,
Dale
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Dear Dale,
Of course that Commodore 64 is another story. A cut above the Trash 80 😉 Would one of those even work today?
Shalom and lotsa nostalgic hugs,
Rochelle
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Of course. Jeez Louise! And you’d be surprised – there are those who just love to fiddle with this old junk. I mean tech… 😉
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If it were up to Jan, he’d keep every computer we’ve ever owned. SMH. I’m not sure which of us is the worst packrat.
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I hear you!! No thanks…
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Sometimes old thing have the best memories.
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Dear James,
True. There are some things that have precious memories attached that might not make sense to someone else.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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That’s why I did the downsizing weedle out while Hubby was at work! LOL! He had old electronic junk that he’s never touched in twenty plus years. It mysteriously found it’s way out of the house and down to the dumpster the morning of trash day. Do I feel bad or guilty… NO! I’m still having to weedle down further because there’s just no place to put things in our new place, and I can’t stand living among plastic bins any longer!
Shalom, Bear
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Dear Bear,
Sometimes ya just gotta take the proverbial bull by the horns. We have so much junk I don’t even know where to begin. Thank you for coming by.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I really enjoyed your story. I have a swing that is now a plant holder but it does not have those special memories attached to it. The commodore probably belongs in a museum 🙂
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Dear Lisa,
Nothing like repurposing to keep a cherished relic alive. Thank you so much.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Rochelle, you are very welcome. Hoping you are enjoying the holiday season.
Shalom,
Lisa
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Rochelle, I see we both had a broken bike in our stories. 🙂 I had a Commodore 64 back when I was young. I’m not sure when my parents got rid of it but it would be an antique by now. This reminds me of trying to get rid of things and trying to tear myself out despite the nostalgia. Great job.
-David
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Dear David,
The Commodore 64 is definitely vintage. We got ours when my youngest, now 41, was a baby. Spent a lot of money on the system and even had a Koala pad. I was so disappointed in that thing. We still have floppy discs. What does one do with those?
Thank you for reading and commenting.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Not much you can do with those floppy disks now except turn them into art maybe. 🙂
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Tis the season of our lives, getting rid of stuff, trying to decide what stuff to get rid of.
Very relatable.
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Dear Dawn,
I can’t say I’m doing a very good job with the getting rid of it season. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Hey, the Commodore computers are a treasure. They gotta stay. The bench holds memories. What’s gonna do? lol. Good story.
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Dear Jan,
My take on the Commodore 64 is that today it would make a dandy doorstop. And the Koala Pad? Fuhgeddaboutit. What a disappointment that was even then. 😉 Glad you liked my story. Thanks, m’luv.
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i think the rule for downsizing is letting go of things you don’t need anymore. 🙂
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Dear Plaridel,
I’m afraid that rule is in a constant state of being broken. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Leave it to the grandson to change her mind. Smart! Getting rid of special things is not easy at any age. Lovely (nostalgic) story, Rochelle.
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Dear Brenda,
How well I know about the difficulty of getting rid of things. Sigh. Thank you for your sweet comment.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Lovely sentiment, fantastic last line. “claw marks” pulled me up briefly while I went back to check if it was a dog, but still loved it all!
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Dear Jen,
Glad you clawed your way through and enjoyed. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Nostalgia is a potent narcotic. I wouldn’t call myself a hoarder, but I have a hard time getting rid of things. If it’s not nostalgia, it’s the ever-popular “I might need that.”
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Dear Nobbin,
I’ve always referred to us as packrats. Not really hoarders. We lived next door to some hoarders years ago…that’s something else. I do have a hard time when I go to rummage through and toss. I get caught up in memories and then it’s all she wrote. Thank you for understanding.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I’m glad the bench was saved! Lovely story, Rochelle.
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Dear Angela,
Some old relics shouldn’t be cast off. Thank you for your sweet comments.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Bahahahaha good old grandpa. This is great Rochelle. We get a perfect glimpse of their life together. Lovely
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Dear Laurie,
Thank you for such a lovely comment.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Beautiful little story and so universal. I have an old push-me lawn mower begging for a home if you are interested (collect, not deliver).
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Dear Patrick,
I’ll have to pass on the push mower. I think you’re a little far for me to travel. Although I would love to visit your side of the Pond some day. Thank you re my story.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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a fun fiction piece Rochelle! Loved the way it ended!
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Dear Carol Anne,
I’m chasing you through your retro comments. I appreciate the fact that my older stories are still being enjoyed. This was a fun story to write. Thank you so much.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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