I had a $5 coupon for one of the big electronics box stores, and I was in the mood for some smooth jazz, so I thought I would check in to see what they might have in their CD collection.

They didn't have any CDs – NONE! I guess everyone downloads music nowadays. But ironically, the store did have vinyl record albums – at a hefty price! I would have to dust off my old Sony stereo system and refurbish the turntable, which has since found a resting place in the basement. I'd be afraid to look at it now for fear of the condition it might be in.

But then again, I already have plenty of albums. I don't need to buy more, especially at $50 a pop! I remember when records cost about $5. And one of my go-to music stores had a bin full of "cutouts" or albums marked down to a buck or two.

I don't know why they were so cheap, but a few of my favorite albums came from that bin. One of them was English Rose by Fleetwood Mac. It has the original version of Black Magic Woman, later made famous by Santana.

Not only do I no longer play the vinyl records, but I've even purchased the CD versions of some of my favorite albums – Live at Leeds by The Who, Beginnings by The Allman Brothers, et al. Besides, I was looking for something to play on my CD player. I don't think a 12-inch round piece of vinyl would fit.

So, I kept looking around the store for something I could use. On my way toward the exit, I saw a handsome-looking coffee cup. I like coffee, and although I have plenty of coffee mugs, I gave it a look - $150! ARE YOU KIDDING? They call it a Smart Mug. It's supposed to keep your coffee warm to the precise temperature you choose to program. The cup may be smart (although Grammarly didn't think that adjective was appropriate), but I question the intelligence of anyone who would buy it. Besides, I'm not very fussy about my coffee. I like it black, with no sugar, and any temperature between lukewarm and boiling. When I drink coffee, it doesn't have time to get cold.

I did see a fantastic bargain that piqued my interest recently. It wasn't in a store, but I read about it in the news - a small island off the coast of Scotland. With a price tag of $190,000 (£150,000), I could purchase the 25-acre property with a small loan. Or I could simply raid my retirement fund for the cash. Either way, it's the best buy around.

The island is called Barlocco Isle. And although I've never been there, it looks like a tranquil place for camping. According to the site map, it even has a cave. Judging from the pictures in the brochure, it looks lovely and secluded – no electricity, roads, people, buildings, or big electronics box stores.

Story and Illustration Copyright © 2023 by Michael DeFrancesco