Hey, E'!

Regarding salvage operations: I can't believe you didn't just tell the Society folks what you were really up to:

"Look at this coffee table! Isn't it the most wonderful piece? It would just fit in that three-dimensional collage on soft drinks... Oh, hi! Was this yours? It's just perfect for a series of tableaux I'm working on -- it's very exciting -- on American life as expressed through its household goods. You know, polyprismatic expressions of emotional life and social status. There's a grant. I'm sure you've heard... Look at these perfect water rings on the finish -- casual entertaining, am I right? They just scream social connectedness and upper-class warmth... Pay for it? Oh, gee, then I couldn't use it! The grant stipulates only 'found objects' may be used in the artwork... but I document all my finds... Would you like a special acknowledgement when the gallery show opens?"

Butter wouldn't melt in my mouth. ;)

Regards--
Mary Anne